One year after violent protests erupted over a controversial tax plan, Kenyans once again march against rising economic hardships and police brutality.
Kenyans Take to the Streets Again: A Year On from Deadly Protests
Kenyans Take to the Streets Again: A Year On from Deadly Protests
As economic woes deepen, demonstrators voice their anger against President Ruto’s government amid calls for accountability.
In a show of strength and defiance, thousands of Kenyans filled the streets on Wednesday, marking one year since severe protests erupted against a contentious tax plan that led to fatal clashes. In the capital, Nairobi, law enforcement used tear gas to disperse protesters who were waving flags and chanting demands for change, as shops and banks closed their doors in anticipation of unrest.
Protests also extended to Mombasa, where crowds gathered with signs criticizing the government's handling of economic issues and police violence. The heavy police presence included blocked roads leading to the city center and the parliamentary area, emphasizing the tensions on the streets.
“Many of us are being killed with no reason,” lamented Don Cliff Ochieng, a 24-year-old security guard in Nairobi, as he explained his reasons for joining the protests. He criticized the lack of economic opportunities and ongoing police brutality, asserting that it is the citizens' right to protest against injustices.
In light of the demonstrations, Kenya's top police official, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, urged citizens to avoid provoking law enforcement during their duties. The new wave of protests is reminiscent of last year's demonstrations when tens of thousands rallied against a proposed financial bill seen as a catalyst for increased living costs, especially for everyday goods. The public outcry surged when the Parliament approved the tax increase on June 25, 2024, leading to violent confrontations as protestors stormed the legislature's entrance, momentarily setting it ablaze and forcing lawmakers into hiding.
As the anniversary of last year's protests unfolds, the discontent among Kenyans highlights the societal fractures and persistent dissatisfaction with leadership, as the public demands significant reforms and accountability from their governing bodies.
Protests also extended to Mombasa, where crowds gathered with signs criticizing the government's handling of economic issues and police violence. The heavy police presence included blocked roads leading to the city center and the parliamentary area, emphasizing the tensions on the streets.
“Many of us are being killed with no reason,” lamented Don Cliff Ochieng, a 24-year-old security guard in Nairobi, as he explained his reasons for joining the protests. He criticized the lack of economic opportunities and ongoing police brutality, asserting that it is the citizens' right to protest against injustices.
In light of the demonstrations, Kenya's top police official, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, urged citizens to avoid provoking law enforcement during their duties. The new wave of protests is reminiscent of last year's demonstrations when tens of thousands rallied against a proposed financial bill seen as a catalyst for increased living costs, especially for everyday goods. The public outcry surged when the Parliament approved the tax increase on June 25, 2024, leading to violent confrontations as protestors stormed the legislature's entrance, momentarily setting it ablaze and forcing lawmakers into hiding.
As the anniversary of last year's protests unfolds, the discontent among Kenyans highlights the societal fractures and persistent dissatisfaction with leadership, as the public demands significant reforms and accountability from their governing bodies.
